Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 5,191	$ 387
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,301	10,893
Change in LIFO reserve	8,900	13,372
Amortization of debt fees	508	543
Provision for losses on accounts receivable and inventories	553	347
Provision for deferred income taxes	2,628	(1,044)
Share-based compensation expense	1,769	1,381
Write-off of 2013 senior note issuance costs		1,034
Premium on purchase of 2013 senior notes		334
Other	67	1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable	(4,175)	(13,167)
Increase in inventories	(9,068)	(32,130)
Increase in other current assets	(787)	(786)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	96	(277)
Decrease (increase) in accounts payable	(18,638)	6,128
Decrease in accrued expenses	(11,137)	(4,946)
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(43)	(145)
Net cash used in operating activities	(12,835)	(18,075)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(9,622)	(8,557)
Net working capital true-up related to Webster acquisition	(749)
Net proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment		22
Net cash used in investing activities	(10,371)	(8,535)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of 8.25% 2019 senior notes		200,000
Repurchase of 7.875% 2013 senior notes		(134,056)
Net borrowings (repayments) from Credit Facility	23,661	(23,745)
Repayments of Pennsylvania Industrial Loans	(72)	(271)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(615)	(543)
Buyback of common stock		(357)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	369	47
Fees paid and capitalized related to debt issuance	(981)	(4,260)
Other	(359)	(257)
Net cash provided by financing activities	22,003	36,558
EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(42)	(96)
Net (decrease) increase in cash	(1,245)	9,852
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,445	1,049
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	5,200	10,901
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:
Cash paid during the period for interest	9,151	8,158
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 1,341	$ 525